Tanzania's Human Revolution

In Tanzania, this book argues, the centrality of mankind is not a mere abstract ideal; it is embedded in the philosophy, policies, and programs of the nation. A major role of Tanzania's political leaders, especially Julius Nyerere, is to guarantee that the society and the state maintain a humane commitment.

Tanzania's Human Revolution concludes that developments in this young African nation whether social, political, or economic—are understandable only in the context of its value system. The author thus takes issue with previous studies, particularly those focusing on mechanics and processes while overlooking a pervasive humanism.

Tanzania's brand of democratic socialism emphasizes cooperative agricultural villages and mass education. Although foreign investments are permitted in Tanzania in a limited way, urbanization and heavy industry are discouraged until the achievement of Self-Reliance, the watchword of the country's one party, the Tanganyika African National Union. Schooling combines the practical with the liberal, and graduates of colleges or terminal secondary schools are required to work for two years in the rural areas. Political decisions often benefit from village and neighborhood deliberations before becoming regional and national policies.

Tanzanian citizenship is open to all races, and both English and Kiswahili are official languages. About one-third of the population is Christian, the rest espousing either Islam or one of the indigenous religions. Nyerere epitomizes Tanzania's heterogeneity; the son of a tribal chief, he holds an Edinburgh MA, is a converted Roman Catholic, and takes pride in being a lifelong patriot.

By its steadfast opposition to all forms of inhumanity including racism—together with its correct yet independent relations with all other countries including the United States and China—Tanzania has become a moral force in Africa and the world.